Bishop Celso Ba Shwe released a letter for his community before Christmas, while the army still occupies the cathedral. Catholics have left their parishes like the rest of the population. In Shan State, ethnic militias that began an offensive in late October have entered Namhsan, but people continue to live in fear.

Loikaw (AsiaNews) – Last week the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) captured Namhsan, a city in the northern Shan State.

The TNLA is one of three ethnic militias that form the Three Brotherhood Alliance that launched an offensive against Myanmar's military junta at the end of October.

According to the militias, at least 650 regular soldiers surrendered, potentially changing the direction of Myanmar’s civil war, which began with the military coup of 1 February 2021.

TNLA fighters are "walking the revolutionary path,” said the group’s spokesman, Tar Aik Kyaw. “The main objective is to take down the military dictatorship, which is what Myanmar people [have] always want[ed],” he added.

The offensive, called Operation 1027 from the date of its start, October 27, is still ongoing despite strikes by the junta’s air force.

Sources told AsiaNews that the fighting has now reached all segments of the population, affecting places of worship as well, Christian and non-Christian alike.

At least 660,000 people have been displaced since the operation began, this according to United Nations data.

In Namhsan, people unable to flee live in fear. “We don't have anywhere to go,” said one resident. “There are caves to hide in but they are a long way from our house,” they added.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military continues to occupy Loikaw, the Kayah State capital, a predominantly Christian city, where regular troops took over the diocesan compound and the Cathedral of Christ the King, to use as a military base.

As a result, Bishop Celso Ba Shwe and other members of the clergy were forced to take refuge "in the forest", that is, villages so far spared by the fighting.

“We are in the middle of an armed conflict in which, in the face of destruction and political chaos, we have had to abandon all our parishes,” the prelate said. “We have had to abandon the cathedral and leave practically everything in our diocesan pastoral centre,” he added.

“The situation in the territory of the diocese, affected by the clashes, is very dangerous, most of the parishes have been abandoned and are empty. This raises the question of whether the churches still function and whether the Diocese of Loikaw still exists."

Despite the tragic situation, the bishop published a pastoral letter addressed to the Christian community for Christmas urging the faithful to have hope.

“I would like to recall that a diocese is a part of the People of God, entrusted to a bishop in collaboration with the presbytery. It is not just a geographical area, but a community that gathers around the bishop in unity with the presbytery.

“The main dynamic of the community is the proclamation of the Gospel and the celebration of the Eucharist. In our case, the Church founded by Christ is alive and present even in suffering.

“It is important that we all remain united and build a community that crosses this desert, gathered around the Gospel and the Eucharist. We know that Christ, the Good Shepherd, cares for the flock for which he gave his life."

More than 20 out of the diocese’s 41 parishes have been abandoned due to the fighting, while priests and nuns have been displaced along with the faithful.

It is precisely to men and women religious that the bishop addressed himself in his letter.

“I thank you priests for your closeness to the bishop and the people, for your generous pastoral collaboration. I thank the religious, men and women, and all the faithful who are true disciples of Christ, for your adherence to the Gospel and the constant celebration of the Eucharist,” the bishop writes.

The prelate exhorts the faithful not to be discouraged after recent events; on the contrary, he invites them to "do God’s will” in the "here and now", and place their trust in Him.

“As we go through this harrowing experience, we may wonder whether God doesn't have a better way for us. But we can be confident that this is His will for us now, and it is the best way to proclaim and testify to His power.”

“As long as we are sheep, we will be victorious,” the bishop writes quoting one of the homilies of Saint John Chrysostom.

“[E]ven if we are surrounded by many wolves, we will overcome them. But if we become wolves, we will be defeated because we are deprived of the help of the shepherd. He does not feed wolves, but sheep.”

Given the current context, for the prelate, it is important not to be discouraged, but to continue to care for one another. Hence, “let us do our best to behave like good sheep, caring for one another, encouraging one another, showing love and doing good."

In signing off his letter, he entrusts his diocesan community to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph who, “in the dark night of Bethlehem with all love adored and protected the Child of God, God Incarnate and Prince of Peace.”

“May Mother Maria and Saint Joseph protect you from all dangers of evil and war; may you find the peace that the Lord gives on Christmas Day.”

• myanmar
• shan
• kayah
• namhsan
• loikaw
• ethnic militias
• bishop celso ba shwe
• christmas
• pastoral letter
• ta'ang national liberation army
• tnla